Advent, a season of hope?

1 Dec 2022 • From Bishop Richard Jackson

In this week's video, Bishop Richard talks about the season of Advent when, as Christians, we particularly focus on hope -- although he acknowledges that we may find it hard to have much hope at the moment as we watch what's going on in the world around us.  With the 2021 Census results showing that Christians in Britain are now a minority (though not in Herefordshire and Shropshire), it seems that the reach of the Church is diminishing.

But, says Bishop Richard, 'a weak Church is in many ways a more faithful reflection of Christ Himself.'  And 'even if we live in a time when it's hard to claim God is working His purposes out, that doesn't mean He isn't'.  In tough times, Advent hope takes on a greater significance.  'In Advent. we look forward to Christ's first coming to be our Saviour but, more importantly, to His second coming to be our Judge.'  (And judgement in the Scriptures very often has the meaning of vindication, rather than censure.)

For transcripts, visit the Bishop of Hereford's Message section of the diocesan website.